Performance Evaluation of Open-Pit Mining Equipment Using AHP and OEE Index

Abstract

Loading and unloading equipment is among the most critical equipment in open-pit mining operations. Consequently, any downtime in this equipment halts mineral transportation activities, ultimately reducing production efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to assess the productivity of such equipment. The overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) index is a key metric for evaluating the performance of equipment and machinery. This article aims to analyze the comprehensive effectiveness of loading and unloading equipment at a gypsum mine in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. To achieve this, the importance coefficients for availability, utilization, and production productivity indices were first calculated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Subsequently, the OEE of the mine’s equipment was estimated. The results indicate that the comprehensive effectiveness of the mine’s loading and hauling fleet was 83% and 82%, respectively. These findings enable the identification of critical equipment and support the development of operational strategies to enhance their effectiveness.